"Pains as of a woman in childbirth come to him, but he is a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he does not come to the opening of the womb." (NIV)
Can you imagine a child refusing to be born? Imagine it fighting to stay in the womb even as muscles are constricting around it, forcing it into the birth canal (a place much too small for it to fit, I might add). Perhaps it is afraid of what lies beyond the comfortable home it's known for 9 months. Perhaps even the discomfort of labor seems better than the unknown world.
Of course, that child doesn't have much choice. It will be born. It's mother and the doctors will see to that because they know that a new and exciting life awaits that child and staying where it is would eventually mean death.
Have you ever sensed God prompting you to make a change in your life, but you were too scared to move? Or maybe you were too comfortable to move?
A few years back, I had what I considered a great job. I enjoyed the work and the people I worked with. I made decent money and I knew that I had job security...then I felt God prompting me to move on. I shrugged it off because I was comfortable where I was.
Then things began to sour. The situation at work became uncomfortable. It wasn't bad at first. A few staff changes made for a different office atmosphere, changes in my personal life brought new responsibilities that added stress and my work load changed. Again I felt God nudging me toward the door, but I resisted.
I couldn't imagine leaving my job...worse, I couldn't imagine trying to find another job. The prospects for a 50 plus woman with only a high school education were not great, so I dug my heels in, determined to tough things out until they got better.
But, they didn't get better. They got worse, until finally I was forced to leave. I walked out the door crying like a baby - hurt, confused and scared to death of the future.
Looking back, I can see exactly why God prompted me to move on. He has moved me into a new phase of my life. My relationship with him is richer and more satisfying than it has ever been. He has called me to a ministry of intercessory prayer and to a ministry of writing - both of which are more fulfilling than I can ever say.
So, let me encourage you...if you feel God nudging you out of your present circumstances - move, because one way or another, you will move - even if He has to make it extremely uncomfortable for you to stay where you are...remember Jonah and the Whale?
Prayer,
Thank you, Lord, for caring enough about us to move us on to the next phase of our lives, even if you have to drag us kicking and screaming from our comfort zones. Thank you also that stepping out in obedience to you does not have to be a fearful thing, because you always have our at heart. Let us always remember Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Amen
--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
Of course, that child doesn't have much choice. It will be born. It's mother and the doctors will see to that because they know that a new and exciting life awaits that child and staying where it is would eventually mean death.
Have you ever sensed God prompting you to make a change in your life, but you were too scared to move? Or maybe you were too comfortable to move?
A few years back, I had what I considered a great job. I enjoyed the work and the people I worked with. I made decent money and I knew that I had job security...then I felt God prompting me to move on. I shrugged it off because I was comfortable where I was.
Then things began to sour. The situation at work became uncomfortable. It wasn't bad at first. A few staff changes made for a different office atmosphere, changes in my personal life brought new responsibilities that added stress and my work load changed. Again I felt God nudging me toward the door, but I resisted.
I couldn't imagine leaving my job...worse, I couldn't imagine trying to find another job. The prospects for a 50 plus woman with only a high school education were not great, so I dug my heels in, determined to tough things out until they got better.
But, they didn't get better. They got worse, until finally I was forced to leave. I walked out the door crying like a baby - hurt, confused and scared to death of the future.
Looking back, I can see exactly why God prompted me to move on. He has moved me into a new phase of my life. My relationship with him is richer and more satisfying than it has ever been. He has called me to a ministry of intercessory prayer and to a ministry of writing - both of which are more fulfilling than I can ever say.
So, let me encourage you...if you feel God nudging you out of your present circumstances - move, because one way or another, you will move - even if He has to make it extremely uncomfortable for you to stay where you are...remember Jonah and the Whale?
Prayer,
Thank you, Lord, for caring enough about us to move us on to the next phase of our lives, even if you have to drag us kicking and screaming from our comfort zones. Thank you also that stepping out in obedience to you does not have to be a fearful thing, because you always have our at heart. Let us always remember Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Amen
--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
4 comments:
Jan, it is so hard sometimes to first see God's leading and then to follow it. Obedience is something to be learned and nurtured. The more we do it, the more trust is built and the easier the next time. Thank God He doesn't give up on us!
So true, Carol. When it comes to obedience, the more we do it and see that God is faithful when we are obedient, the easier it is to step out in faith the next time, because our faith has grown...and YES, thank God He doesn't give up on us when we blow it the first time around. Otherwise I'd be in big trouble!
Thanks for stopping by and for taking a moment to leave a comment.
Blessings, Jan
Wow, Jan! Don't I know it! You know that I've been in the place where I was kicking and screaming when I had to move on and afterward, too. Thanks for helping me see God in all of it. I'm so glad God gave friendship to us.
Love you,
Joy
Me too, Joy.
Isn't it funny how even if where we are us miserable, we are more secure with the misery we know than dealing with the unknown?
I've been in that place, too.
Post a Comment